Have you ever struggled to get the vegetables created at the same size and shaped in beautiful forms? Maybe it is high time to get one best mandoline slicer America’s Test Kitchen & Cook’s Illustrated, Consumer Reports, The Wirecutter, and Food & Wine…, to get you out of that mess. So what exactly is that magical tool?

What Is The Mandoline Slicer?

For most people who have not known this tool before, a mandoline slicer is a flat surface attached tightly with sharp blades that support you in shaping all kinds of vegetables easily into specific. The mandoline slicer has long become an essential staple in any kitchen to make the preparation easier. 

Reviews of The Best Mandoline Slicer America’s Test Kitchen & Cook’s Illustrated, Consumer Reports

#1. Benriner Br1 Vegetable Slicer – Best Sharpness

The Benriner is widely known as one of the top picks when it comes to choosing a slicer for your kitchen. The reason why it is so famous among the most professional cooks lies in its sharpness. The fine blade attached to the mandolines will create consistent and thin slices – ideal to shape veggies into even, easy-to-the-eye pieces.

Moreover, upon getting this item, you will receive interchangeable toothed blades to diversify the thickness according to your preferences. And if you ever need to cut the vegetables into any other shape, you can easily replace this blade with a different one just by loosening the bolts.

Another selling point is that his version is a handhold model which has a rubber case for easy adjustment. It will allow you to change angles and switch from left hand to right hand at any time you feel a little bit tired.

However, this blade is so sharp that it could become a dangerous tool in the house. So use it carefully and keep it out of your children’s reach.

Verdict

The Benriner BR1 VEGETABLE SLICER is a slicer for top professional chefs. With this buddy, you can create some of the finest and most delicate dishes for the customers.

#2. Bron Coucke Classic Chef’s Mandoline – Best Versatility 

Just by looking at the Bron Coucke Classic Chef’s Mandoline, your cooking-adoring heart will instantly skip a beat for its modern, high-class design. The stainless steel with sturdy, complicated construction will make you feel like you just entered the future. 

The slicer also offers great versatility when you can choose any vegetables, from carrot, zucchini to softer food such as cheese, tomatoes. You can chop, cut, julienne, or waffle with this handy tool. 

Meanwhile, the steel of the mandolines helps you a great deal with the cleaning. You will not have to struggle to scrub it over and over again to get rid of the oil stains. With only a little hot water and a spray nozzle, this slicer is good to go on. 

However, this complicated design might be a better fit for high-end restaurants rather than in households. 

Verdict 

The Bron is another potential candidate for professional cooks to make the best dishes with various shapes and sizes. The high versatility will enable you to set out the finest dish any customer could ask for. 

#3. Oxo Good Grips Chef’s Mandoline – Best Grip, Food & Wine

The OXO is another worth recommending a choice for your kitchen. The non-slip and soft handle with rubber material gives you a magnetic feel for the best grip.

The product is also equipped with an indicator for you to know exactly how thick you want the food to be cut. Plus, its spring-loaded food holder with a wide rim is another advantage helping you protect the fingers and store food underneath.

The only drawback of the OXO is that it only provides one blade, making it wear out faster. 

Verdict 

With the simple design and great control, the OXO would be an ideal choice for homemakers who want to make basic, even slices for a cozy dinner. 

#4. Progressive International Pl8 Mandoline Slicer – Best Design 

The Progressive International PL8 Mandoline Slicer ranks the top when it comes to modern, luxurious design. Just by owning it, you could lighten up your cooking area with its elegant, advanced shape.

The design is also optimized to offer the best strength and simplicity. You can cut square-shaped veggies for stews to julienne it for delicious mashed potatoes if you are planning to have a homey family meal. You can shape the vegetables in any size you want to organize events, no matter if it is a party or a formal meeting.

The stainless steel is also convenient for cleaning. Moreover, the simple design with great control will prevent you from having a nick. 

On the other hand, the side knob is pretty fragile, so that sometimes it could be difficult to adjust the thickness you want. 

Verdict 

The PL8 is a necessity in your kitchen if you adore cooking a great deal. You can elevate all the dishes with this sophisticatedly designed product which is optimized for anyone to use.

#5. Mueller Austria V-Pro Mandoline – Best Function CONSUMER REPORTS

The Mueller Austria premium quality can be considered as a piece of art with multiple outstanding functions. The slicer has five interchangeable blades that make it ready for any task in the kitchen. 

For that reason, you will have unlimited choices on shapes and sizes. You can chop it into medium pieces for grilling or glide it into strips for the salad. With this handy slicer, you don’t even have to touch the knife kit. How amazing is that!

This handy culinary assistant is also armed with a control knob to give you more options in the food thickness. You will have unlimited choices regarding how thick you want the food to be taken care of. 

However, this chef-quality blade is so sharp that it can be dangerous if you are not careful with it. 

Verdict

With the 5 interchangeable blades, the Mueller is the one for professional chefs who want everything to get done fast and precisely. A delicious dish with creative shapes and sizes is a plus to become a great cook.

#6. Swissmar Borner V-1001 V-Slicer Plus Mandoline – AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN & COOK’S ILLUSTRATED, The Wirecutter

The compact design of the Swissmar makes it extremely easy to get a thorough wash. Cleaning flat surface Swissmar is so convenient that you only need to rinse it through hot water and a sprayer without touching it.

Meanwhile, the sturdy storage offers a great place to keep the product in good condition. Additionally, it also keeps the tool out of your children’s reach. So you should not be worried when the girls rummage through your kitchen. 

This modern design is not only great for cleaning but also does wonderfully when in function. It can glide the food smoothly and evenly like a pro.

However, the mandoline material is made entirely from plastic, which makes the design a little bit less sturdy. 

Verdict

The Swissmar Borner V-1001 V-Slicer will work efficiently in your kitchen with simple design and outstanding outcomes. It can work well during the process as well as doesn’t cost much time to clean after using.

#7. DASH Safe Slice Mandoline – Best For Safety 

The Dash safe slice mandoline with a simple design would be a great choice to improve your kitchen experience. It helps you secure the food at the same time provides a good feel so that you can easily control the whole process. 

The brush packed in the combo gets rid of all buildups on the slicer. For that reason, the process is super consistent and smooth. There is also a food container for you to keep the food clean and not splashing everywhere. With those features combined, the DASH is a guardian keeping you from potential cuts.

Moreover, the slice made by this mandoline is thin and precise just like any other top-recommended products. It can get any vegetables ready for meal preparation within seconds, no matter how tough they might seem to be.

However, the design makes it pretty hard to clean thoroughly as the food gets stuck in the chute. 

Verdict 

The DASH with a high safety level is a must if you have children in the house who constantly rummage through the kitchen or everywhere else when not under your supervision. 

How To Choose One? 

Blade Shape 

You can easily find the three most common blade shapes when it comes to mandolines. Firstly, the original blades with straight lines are mostly found in French models. When cutting vegetables, the blade goes perpendicular to the vegetables and separates the peel from the fleshy core. However, it does not work quite effectively with soft fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes. 

Secondly, we have the diagonal blade, which is mostly seen in Japanese models. It has a tiny pointer to puncture small parts of the skin before peeling it off. This particular feature allows the soft vegetables such as pepper, kiwi to be separated from the skins without being squeezed too tight. 

Finally, the V-shaped blade is the most famous one. It has all advantages of the diagonal one, which helps you cut through any ingredients, especially large ones.

Design

The most two common designs of mandoline slicers are the flat-handheld kind and the sand. 

The handheld slicers are designed with a handle to hold while resting against the counter, which allows the cook to choose different angles for best shaping. It also gives them more control over the slice, thus improving safety. 

On the other hand, the stand model has legs to support the slicer into a fixed position. Some people would prefer these kinds more for its stability. 

Safety 

Anything related to blades has a high risk of getting us cut into our own hands, but not the food that should have been done. You can easily cut yourself, and a single nick on the hand can be annoying. 

For that reason, choosing a mandoline with great safety should be on one of your top priorities.

How To Use A Mandoline Slicer?

For Zucchini 

There is no right size to glide zucchini, to be specific. Instead of finding a one-size-fit-all way of cutting it, you should decide on which dishes would be served for the meal first. Each dish will need a particular size of cut zucchini. 

When it comes to zucchini noodles, you would want it to be in thin and long shape. The more Zucchini strips you have, the more delicious the noodles will be. Thanks to the mandoline slicer, it will not be an issue creating those equally thick and perfectly shaped strips. 

You would need to grind it even smaller to mix with the bread in terms of Zucchini bread. The Zucchini mixture for the bread can neither be too thick nor too crushy. Therefore, the slicer is a lifesaver in this case, not the grinder or blender. 

For the Zucchini salad, the size is thicker and bigger. You can use the slicer to make more creative shapes.

To Julienne

To slice the food to julienne, which means shaping them into equally thin and long strips, you need to know two types of blades. They are interchangeable and single blades. While the first one offers you a variety of sizes, the second only allows you to slice the food at one thickness level. However, if you are not a professional cook, a single blade is pretty enough. 

In A Nutshell 

Choosing the best mandoline slicer that fits your taste and needs is a life-changing experience. A high-quality mandoline slicer would allow you to diversify and decorate the dish with different vegetable shapes, just like any expensive restaurants out there.

Most people reckon that buying and using a mortar and pestle is a piece of cake, but choosing the suitable one truly requires complete knowledge of different types, features, and properties of each product available today.

So, you are here for the best mortar and pestle America’s Test Kitchen & Cook’s Illustrated, aren’t you?

Take a look at the extensive research on the top 7 below and I bet you easily find the one you want most.

What are a Mortar and Pestle?

The mortar and pestle come in two different parts. First, the mortar is a bowl that is made of metal, hard stone like granite, hardwood, or ceramic. The second tool is the pestle that is a heavy and dull club-shaped object.

For thousands of years, this set has been claimed a spot as one of the most essential culinary tools. Also, it has been proved to be an ideal companion to prepare spices, herbs, peppercorns, seeds, and more.

Soon, you recognize that it works better than a food processor because it is easy and convenient to use and clean.

Keep reading!

What is the Best Mortar and Pestle America’s Test Kitchen & Cook’s Illustrated?

Here are top rated Mortar and Pestle consumer reports

#1 – ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set – Best Overall

Believe me, you will love my number one choice for the best mortar and pestle from ChefSofi.

First, let’s talk about its naturally rough and abrasive surface! This excellent feature helps reduce your work in grinding and crushing as well as preventing small ingredients to escape.

With a high capacity of 500ml, it offers you enough space to deal with a generous number of ingredients at a time. We are talking about pepper, chilli, as well as all sorts of spices you have displayed on your cooking racket. Just toss them all in, and it will give them a good smash!

Also included with this set is a free book of Italian recipes and a scratch protector to prevent the product from damaging tables or countertops.

One more thing that you should notice is that the ChefSofi mortar and pestle need a bit of maintenance work to get a good result in cooking. Before using it, you need to grind uncooked rice in it to remove unwanted flavors. Although it takes a lot of time, it is downright effective, and you only have to do so when using it for the first time.

So, if you don’t mind seasoning this set, it will be a well-performing and heavy-duty mortar and pestle that can last for years.

#2 – UMIEN Granite Mortar and Pestle Set – Best for Guacamole

I bet you that there is no better bowl for making and serving guacamole than the UMIEN molcajete (that’s Spanish for a mortar and pestle).

This 8-inch mortar gives an ample space so that you can grind, crush, mash, and mix all your favorite spices, grains, and herbs to make your signature dishes like guacamole, salsa, sauces, and more.

As a bonus, you receive an avocado tool to help you prepare delicious, nutritious avocado meals with the hassle of peeling, slicing, and dicing.

Similar to the product from ChefSofi, this set is also made of authentic granite, which is beautifully smoothed and patterned to go with the décor of your kitchen table or countertop in case you want to use it for serving. 

The only issue is that it’s quite heavy for some, making it inconvenient to bring it regularly in the kitchen. But if you think of it, most kitchenware has some involvement in grinding share this particular trait.

In sum, if you are a fan of South American and Mexican cuisine, the UMIEN mortar and pestle is a good choice. 

#3 – Tera Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle Set – Best Stainless Steel

As compared to the granite mortar and pestle, the stainless steel from Tera can adapt virtually any use, from grinding herbs and spices to medicine if you want. Moreover, it is highly anti-rust-and-corrosion.

Ever so wonderfully, it makes cleaning simple (just rinse it thoroughly with warm water and dry it) as well as leaves no odors from ground medical pills or other ingredients.

Another terrific point is that this set comes with a translucent lid that prevents a mess while grinding. Since you can see through it, you easily know when the ingredients are grounded to perfection.

But there is one limit of the tool. Although the mortar is equipped with a silicone-padded base to stay in place, be careful of grinding hard stuff like garlic or peppers because it might slip a bit.

In a word, the Tera stainless steel mortar and pestle is highly versatile, affordable, and compact to fit right into your medicine or kitchen cupboard.

#4 – EZ-Grip Silicone & Porcelain Mortar and Pestle – Best Quality and Comfort

The Cooler Kitchen EZ-Grip mortar and pestle with a porcelain build are worth it if you are looking for something versatile and high-quality.

Made of apothecary-grade porcelain, the quality of this set is truly a high standard that is used for pharmaceutical purposes. Of course, you can use it for grinding ingredients in the kitchen. But be careful of fracture because it’s not ideal for heavy grinding.

But on the bright side, as it is primarily introduced to the drug market and targets the health sector, it leaves no odor or staining absorption, giving you the original taste and flavor while using it. Besides, its surface is unglazed and smooth so there is no worry about the surface material to mix or flake off your food.

As arthritis patients, you will fall in love with this mortar and pestle because they have been designed for the best comfort. Just look at the handle of the pestle! It comes with a soft, anti-slip silicone cover that ensures a comfortable and secure grip to your hands. 

Meanwhile, the base of the mortar also has a silicone covering at the bottom to prevent it from scratching as well as keeping it stable while grinding.

#5 – RSVP International BGMP-80 Mortar and Pestle – Best Design

If you prefer to make a statement, this stunning beige mortar and pestle from RSVP International will be the one for you.

This set is made of beautiful solid marble that has been unpolished to help create better grinding results. No matter what you want to grind, such as herbs, spices, grains, or pills, it did well.

Additionally, there is a light layer of chalk or dust from the manufacturing process when it comes. However, you easily remove it by washing or seasoning it before using it. And after every use, simply clean it with a damp cloth and dry it well.

The only thing that I want to be improved is the size of the mortar. Since it is 4 inches in diameter, it’s ideal for small amounts yet not for generous amounts of ingredients.

Generally speaking, the RSVP International BGMP-80 is a compact and durable model for those who want to add a special touch of elegance to the kitchen.

#6 – Home Basics MP01053 Mortar and Pestle – Best Wooden

Next up is a wooden mortar and pestle from Home Basics that looks stunning and is easy to handle as well as clean.

Made from solid bamboo, this product ensures greater durability so that you can use it to crush herbs, spices, nuts, onions, and more. The good point is that this material is safe for food and not scratch any surface of the table it is used on.

But there is a small minor detail about the design. While the mortar has a flat bottom, the pestle appears quite round, creating a gap between them and making grinding hard spices a bit tough (though it is manageable).

One more thing that you should notice is not to put this set in the dishwasher or soak it. It’s best to wash it with warm, soapy water, then rinse with clean water, and air dry in order to keep it in the optimal condition.

#7 – Laevo Cook Grey Marble Mortar and Pestle – Best Use on Both Sides

If you love the idea of using a reversible mortar and pestle, do not miss the model from Laevo Cook.

The mortar comes with two compartments. While the large one is for grinding large ingredients like avocados, leaves, etc., the small one is ideal for grinding a small quantity like peppercorns or a few spices. Simply turn it upside down and then you can use any compartment that suits your demands.

The pestle, of course, has two sides for crushing, with one side being flat and one side with an angled base for different purposes. This versatile shape lets you handle all the ingredients you have in mind.

Similar to the ChefSofi product, this one needs to be seasoned with rice before using it. Additionally, cleaning it after using should be careful because you should not use soap water or it might flavor the food. The best way is to rinse it with warm water and air dry (remember not to put it in the dishwasher, okay?).

In brief, you get lots of benefits from this double-sized design because the Laevo Cook mortar and pestle permit you to divide the flavors and smell while preparing food.

What Should You Consider When Buying a Mortar and Pestle?

Do not make light of this important part as it points out the necessary features and aspects that you should carefully notice before making your final choice.

Size

Since each mortar and pestle comes with different sizes, you need to determine what you will be using it for. For instance, if you are going to use it for yourself, a small set will be good. Meanwhile, if you cook for a family, please opt for the bigger one.

Let’s explain clearly in selecting a good mortar!

The best thing is to look for the deep and wide mortar to prevent your ingredients from spilling or jumping out when grinding them. Then make sure it is heavy so that it won’t move around when applying pressure.

Meanwhile, choosing the right pestle depends on the size of your hand. The longer pestle fits easily in the hand and allows you to shift around the inside of the mortar. Or in case you want a better grinding action, the shorter pestle will be nice.

Material

As you know, the stone is the traditional material for most of the mortars and pestles. However, you also find out other materials that can affect how successful your grinding is.

For instance, a wooden product can soak up the flavor better. Meanwhile, the marble one is easy to crush with.

Additionally, you should pay attention to its durability as well as how easy the material can be cleaned. For example, stone might last longer than wood, yet a bit more challenging to clean than stainless steel.

Interior

For the optimum result and maximum efficiency, the mortar should come with a grooved and unpolished interior.

If it is too smooth, it won’t have enough abrasive qualities to grind food. Moreover, if you crush “slippery” ingredients into it, they are easy to jump out of the mortar, making a big mess.

Price

What you will be using this product will decide how much money you can pay.

For example, you are going to use it for simple aims like grinding pills or spices, so think of a small set with about $10 or so. In case you require durability and want to use it for preparing dedicated food, the high-quality set in the range of $25 to $40 will be ideal.

FAQs

#1 – What is the best material for mortar and pestle?

As mentioned above, there are different kinds of materials for mortar and pestle such as stones, stainless steel, granite, ceramics, etc. And it depends on you to find the one that suits you most.

In my opinion, the granite is the best due to its durability, non-porous essence, and ease of cleaning.

#2 – What is the best type of mortar and pestle?

Once again, the granite mortar and pestle are the best type that is used widely.

#3 – What are a mortar and pestle used for?

This unit can be used for several purposes from grinding, crushing, or pulverizing all kinds of spices, herbs, seeds, pills to using as a serving bowl.

So, Have You Decided Which One to Pick Yet?

Well, no matter what you are going to choose, you are guaranteed to receive the best results from the list above.

Just make sure that you have decided on your preferred size, type, and design of the best mortar and pestle. And do not forget to turn on your chef mode to bring the good set for preparing your authentic dishes.

Good luck to you!

If you still hesitate about looking for the best garlic press reviews by America’s Test Kitchen & Cook’s Illustrated, The Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, and Food & Wine… for your kitchen, STOP THIS THOUGHT and GET ONE NOW.

This handy tool is truly necessary because it makes food preparation easier and simpler. Moreover, it comes with a low-price tag that won’t break your bank account.

So, keep reading to find out the most suitable one.

Take A Glance at Garlic Press Info

What is a garlic press?

As its name suggests, a garlic press (or a garlic crusher) is a metal handheld tool that lets you crush garlic cloves by forcing them via a grid of small holes.

What is it used for?

Of course, the garlic press is used to mince, press, or crush garlic or even ginger. But, note that not all the garlic presses are strong enough to use with ginger, please check the product descriptions before using.

How to use it?

It’s a piece of cake. All you just do is to put a peeled of garlic clove in the tool, swing your arm around, and squeeze. As a result, finely grated and fresh garlic appears from the grid of small holes that is ready to use in cooking.

How to wash it?

Although some complain that cleaning this tool is a challenge, you also simplify it by following my way.

You need to mist the press with cooking spray before using it. Then use a brush to remove garlic residues or poke a toothpick through the holes after pressing. Finally, rinse it with warm water and dry.

Reviews of the Best Garlic Press on the Market

#1 – Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press, Stainless Steel – America’s Test Kitchen & Cook’s Illustrated

My first suggestion belongs to the Kuhn Rikon Epicurean garlic press – one of the famous brand names in the cooking world.

One of the most outstanding features is that this tool is constructed from stainless steel. So, you are guaranteed to get a strong and durable press for years and years. 

In terms of performance, it boasts a cleverly designed lever that makes squeezing easier. And this one is as strong as a bear claw as well. In seconds, each clove of garlic will be turned into a fine mash.

Just note that this garlic press only crushes one clove of garlic at a time. This might be challenging if you are going to work with many garlic cloves. But don’t worry too much because the process is simple and smooth so that this is not a BIG issue.

Overall, the Kuhn Rikon Epicurean is the gold standard for what a garlic press should be.

#2 – ORBLUE Garlic Press [Premium], Stainless Steel Mincer, Crusher & Peeler Set – Runner-up

At first sight, the ORBLUE Propresser is similar to the Kuhn Rikon Epicurean.

Both have a traditional style and are made from sturdy stainless steel. That means it will be durable and last for years as well as never weakening at your joints. Also, crushing garlic is a piece of cake thanks to an ergonomic design and smooth lever mechanism.

As a plus, this garlic press features a large press chamber so that you can put more garlic inside, allowing you to focus on cooking rather than spending much time on preparation. It even comes with a silicone garlic rubber to help peel garlic easily anytime you want.

Ever so wonderfully, this product is twice as cheap as the one above. Hence, you can invest in it without considering it.

However, I found some reports that garlic cloves sometimes get stuck in the corner if you put too much inside the chamber. And this made cleaning a bit difficult.

#3 – Rosle Stainless Steel Mincing Garlic Press, Premium: Food & Wine

Continue looking at the Rosle 12896 – another best garlic press to your modern kitchen!

To be honest, I really like this garlic press because I don’t have to peel the garlic cloves before pressing them into small chunks like the other products. And this is all owing to the distinct mechanism that the producer added right inside the glossy metal cover of the tool. 

Of course, squeezing is not tricky thanks to its weighted handles. All you just do is to lightly press the handles together and then the cloves of garlic will be perfectly crushed.

Want some more good news? Not only does this crush garlic like crackers but it also handles unpeeled ginger or mincing like a breeze thanks to offsetting and cone-shaped holes of the press.

One more terrific point is that this tool is always within reach because its innovative design allows it not only to stand on its head but also lie on a flat surface. Besides, it features a black ring to lock and prevent it from opening when not in use, offering compact storage.

The only issue is that the Rosle 12896 garlic press has a high price tag as compared to the others, but it guarantees your complete satisfaction after all.

#4 – Alpha Grillers Garlic Press – Best Bang for the Buck: BUSINESS INSIDER

Believe me, the Alpha Grillers garlic press really serves you well despite its lower price than the ORBLUE Propresser above.

It boasts a heavy-duty build and an ergonomic design that allows you to peel and mince both garlic and ginger effectively. Thanks to solid construction and a lifetime warranty, you are guaranteed its durability, so you never think about repairing or replacing it for years.

Also, it is designed with large handles, making it easier and simpler to use without putting in an effort. Since you don’t have to press with much force, it’s ideal for those with small hands or have weak hands.

Just remember that not all the garlic clove is totally pressed (about 20% might stay inside after using) if you put too much or the clove is too long. But don’t worry because you easily clean the press by placing it under running water and rubbing with a cleaning brush.

In sum, the Alpha Grillers paid attention to each detail and even the packaging, so your invested money wouldn’t go to waste for sure.

#5 – OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Garlic Press – Best Comfort-Grip

Since our hands are often oily or wet from cooking, using the garlic press might be a bit tricky and slow.

If this is your big concern, choosing the OXO 11107400 will be a good pick because this garlic press is equipped with soft, silicone grips on the handles. That means it never slips out of your grasp as well as cushioning your hands comfortably.

Besides, it has a large chamber that can hold and press several garlic cloves at a time. Its efficient hole pattern is a BIG PLUS that allows more garlic to be pressed out, so waste is minimized.

However, the red rubberized cleaning brush that is advertised for pushing out any excess garlic does not really work as well as they claim it to. I found some complaints that this built-in feature didn’t clean the garlic out well. Hence, I suggest you should put the press under the running water and then into the dishwasher for thorough cleaning.

Generally speaking, the simple and functional design paired with the non-slip handles earn the OXO garlic press high marks.

#6 – Vantic Garlic Press – Best Rocker Design

Unlike other garlic presses in this collection, the Vantic GP-001 is uniquely designed with an arc shape that permits you to push down on a clove of garlic and then rock back and forth to crush it through.

With a large silicone handle, you are guaranteed to have more space to get a good and comfortable grip. Hence, don’t be afraid of slipping while crushing your garlic, just slip your hand through the loop and hold it tightly.

This tool also has a high-quality silicone peeler to remove all the garlic skin and a small scraper to collect the minced garlic. And for the low price of this set, these tools are truly a welcomed bonus.

Cleaning the Vantic GP-001 is quick and easy by running it under the faucet or simply placing it straight in the dishwasher without worrying about residues. However, since it needs to be used onto a surface or a cutting board, you have more things to tidy up.

On the flipside, note that this model is not as sharp as expected. That means you need to give more effort to crush the garlic cloves, and this might be a problem for those with restricted mobility in their hands.

#7 – JACHI Garlic Press – Amazon’sChoice for “garlic mincer chopper”

Just pay the same amount of money like the Alpha Grillers and then you can get a light yet strong garlic press from JACHI.

All thanks to the premium zinc alloy, which combines two excellent properties to offer you a highly functional and well-weighted kitchen utensil. In addition, being a tool of premium quality, this garlic press will save you from all the worry about rust or deterioration in quality over time.

Another feature worth mentioning is, without a doubt, the smooth surface of this professional press, which is rather useful as it doesn’t hold onto garlic bits after pressing, giving you better access to clean it up.

As a plus, the JACHI garlic press has an ergonomic handle that is covered with non-slip silicone rubber for better leverage. However, it requires a lot of strength to crush the garlic due to its narrow gap between the handles. So, if you have arthritis, using this tool will be a bit tough.

In brief, this low-cost model is still a good pick if you have a tight budget yet want to get the comfort a garlic press can give. Ever so wonderfully, you can receive full money back or a free replacement within 30 days from the receipt for anything wrong.

#8 – Kitchen Innovations Garlic-A-Peel Garlic Press, Crusher, Cutter, Mincer – Most Efficient

If you prefer something with a unique design like the Vantic GP-001, try to look at the Kitchen Innovations garlic press.

It is a small, square tool that works by putting your garlic under its lid and pushing it down through a stainless-steel grid. Then the minced garlic will be gathered in a removable plastic chamber below, waiting to be used at any second.

Also, if you happen to use a lot of garlic in one go, this little kitchen tool is all you ever want as its chamber can hold 5 or 6 chopped cloves. That means you can quickly press one after one without cleaning the press in between and then get all the final products in one place.

Another interesting thing is that this product comes with interchangeable slicing and dicing blades that allow you to have garlic in any shape you want like longer slivers or small chunks. Of course, it effectively uses the whole garlic clove and leaves little pulp behind.

The big issue is that the Kitchen Innovations has many removable parts, making cleaning more complex because you have to take out and hand-wash each part for the best result instead of putting all in the dishwasher.

However, if you don’t mind the extra cleaning steps, this is a good and effective garlic press for your kitchen.

Find Out More Factors to Make a Great Decision

Before jumping into the garlic press you want most, do not miss the following things below. Read them carefully to ensure you invest your money in the right device.

Ease of use

Most contemporary garlic presses are designed to crush the garlic easily without requiring extra pressure. Additionally, they are simple to clean and maintain. Just it should be noted to read the manufacturer’s manual before using it.

Ease of cleaning

Removing small pieces of minced garlic after using might be tricky. Hence, it’s best to choose the one that is suitable for quick rinsing under the faucet as well as dishwasher safe.

Ah, don’t forget to consult how to wash the garlic press (I mentioned above) to ensure a thorough cleanup.

Size

The large chamber allows you to squeeze several garlic cloves, so the task will be done quickly and cleanup will be minimized as well. But you should make sure the garlic press is easy to store. If it’s too big to fit in the kitchen drawer, the handles should come with hanging loops.

Durability

The garlic press is made to be used constantly, so look out for strong and durable materials such as stainless steel or cast zinc.

In case the press is made of other metals, it is still durable as long as you don’t misuse it like trying to press too much garlic cloves at once or using more pressure.

After all Others, The Garlic Press You Want Is…

To be honest, all the devices above are worth the purchase. As long as you know what you need and then you easily pick the best garlic press to satisfy your demand.

Do you have any names in your mind?

ORDER IT NOW and HAPPY PRESSING!

Grinders have evolved from overlooked kitchen utensils to something many cooks are willing to spend a lot of money on, as long as they can transform a normal dish into a flavor-rich one. Unlike a cheaply-made mill set, a high-quality one will make sure you have the most consistent grinds at the amount you prefer, without spilling them all over your counter.

But not all models on the market are the same. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best salt & pepper mill sets reviews by America’s Test Kitchen & Cook’s Illustrated, Food & Wine, Consumer Reports and The Wirecutter… So you can start to make your favorite dish right away.

Reviews of Best Salt & Pepper Mill Sets 2020 (America’s Test Kitchen & Cook’s Illustrated, Food & Wine, Consumer Reports and The Wirecutter)

#1. COLE & MASON Derwent Salt and Pepper Grinder Set: America’s Test Kitchen & Cook’s Illustrated

If a set of classic wooden mills is not to your liking, you can stick with more modern, sleek models made from stainless steel, such as this one from Cole & Mason. They have a transparent acrylic body in the middle, allowing you to see salt chunks and peppercorns inside with stylish stainless steel finish on top and at the bottom.

The Cole & Mason Derwent mills let you choose from six different levels of grind precision, from fine to coarse granules. While most other products crush the salt and peppercorns, the most unique thing about this set is that it strips them down as it grinds, layer after layer, thanks to the hardened, machine-cut carbon steel mechanism. Cole & Mason claims that by doing this, the flavor will reach the maximum level of richness as all layers will mix together and deliver the intense and full-rounded taste of the peppercorns.

However, while these mills are not cheap at all, the durability of some components is below expectations. For example, after a year, the indicators on the body may fade away quickly, and you could no longer see which setting the mill is set to.

#2. OXO Good Grips Salt & Pepper Grinder Set

At first glance, you may immediately see some differences in these salt and pepper mills. While the grinding mechanisms of most other models are placed on the bottom, this set has them on top. This different design is also the best selling point of these mills as you will no longer see any pepper or salt crumbs left behind on your counter – a small but annoying issue for everyone.

As a result, the top of these mills is slightly smaller than the bottom. Between this shape and the solid feel in the hands, the OXO Good Grips set is easy to hold and handle while grinding, even if you are born with large hands.

But keep in mind that while there is a sleek stainless steel finish, there are still some parts made from plastics, making the whole set look cheap. On top of that, the peppercorns will get exposed to light because of the transparent plastic chamber, which, in the long run, will have some negative effects on their quality.

#3. Latent Epicure Battery Operated Grinder Set

These days even simple items like salt and pepper grinders have gone high-tech. Compared to manual models, these small battery-powered machines, like this Laten Epicure set, provide not only automatic grinding ability but also a few extra features.

For example, these Laten Epicure grinders come with LED lights to brighten up the view so you can know exactly how much pepper or salt you have added. This is not a must-have feature for spice grinders, but a nice thing to have if you often prepare foods in dim-lit environments and risk ruining the taste of your favorite dish.

Even though these grinders use motorized mechanisms, there is nothing complicated about using them. There is a touch button that will kick off the grinding after you have set your preferred fineness or coarseness setting. This button is placed on top of the grinders, so you won’t be likely to press it accidentally.

On the flip side, the bottom of the Laten Epicure grinders is covered with plastic, which may give off an unpleasant smell that you usually notice in low-quality plastics.

#4. Home EC Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Grinders Set: Amazon Best Seller

Home EC has proved that it’s possible to make inexpensive grinders with the good build quality and high-quality materials. Everything in these salt and pepper mills boasts a premium vibe of luxury kitchen utensils, from the BPA-free glass to the elegant top made that is made durable from stainless steel. They fit together flawlessly to make sure that no dirt or moisture can ruin your salt and pepper.

Even the rotor of these grinders is made from heavy-duty ceramic, allowing you to achieve your preferred level of coarseness or fineness by rotating the adjustment knob.

With the two-piece design, this Home EC mill set makes it easier for you to fill it up with salt and pepper. Just twist off the lid, and use the funnel that Home EC has included in the box to pour salt or pepper in. The clear acrylic glass will show you how full it is when you do this.

However, many customers have said that the pepper grinder couldn’t work as smoothly as the salt one. If this happens to the set you bought, just contact Home EC to replace your flawed grinder with a new one.

#5. XQXQ Wood Salt and Pepper Mill Set, Pepper Grinders: Amazon Choice

The spice grinder market is crowded with most stainless steel models. If this sleek and modern design isn’t right down your alley, a wooden product like this XQXQ set is a welcome change.

These two grinders have an attractive dark, rustic look with wood grains on the, bringing a sense of nature into your kitchen. It is a perfect choice for those who strive for an eco-friendly lifestyle since apart from the natural oak body and ceramic rotor, these XQXQ grinders contain no plastic in its construction.

The use of wood in household products is a new trend in the market, but it raises a concern about the precision and smoothness of mechanical parts. You can be assured that it’s not the case for this XQXQ set. The grinding mechanism is adjustable and reliable. Similar to stainless steel models, it also allows you to choose from different coarseness settings by twisting the top nut.

However, since the body is made entirely from wood, there is no way to check how much salt or pepper the grinders have like what you can do with glass. You must guess it with the weight of the grinders or open the lid and take a glance at the insides.

#6. Gravity Best Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set

Like the Laten Epicure battery-powered grinders, this Rongyuxuan Gravity electric set also brings a modern look and advanced improvements into what we usually think of as classic manual kitchen utensils. But while the Laten Epicture set sticks with traditional design, Rongyuxuan has totally changed what we know about salt and pepper grinders.

This set looks like a smart speaker on your counter with the black finish under a blue LED light, adding a warm and even romantic atmosphere into your kitchen. You don’t need to turn it on manual as this LED will be lightened up automatically when the grinders are in use, making sure you can monitor and control the seasoning.

The smart functionality of these Rongyuxuan grinders also extends to the grinding mechanism. This company has used a brand new technology in the grinder market – gravity sensing. There is no need for manual grinding or even pressing a button; just flip the grinder, and it will ground the spices for you.

The biggest complaint we have for this smart grinder set is that it still has many parts made from plastic, which may put off many customers who are looking for a plastic-free product.

#7. Home EC Premium Stainless Steel Grinder Set

You can think of this Premium set as the “tall” version of the Home EC grinder set above: they have almost identical design and mechanism, with most differences coming from the shape and height of the grinders. While the standard set is 5 inches tall, the height of this “Premium” model is 7.5 inches. But you can be assured that the capacity of each grinder is the same at 6 oz or 3/4 cup.

They also retain all the best parts about Home EC grinders: high-quality build at an affordable price. Even the flaw is the same as many customers have pointed out that the quality of two grinders in a set may be not equal and need a replacement from Home EC. Luckily for you, as we have mentioned, the customer service staff of this company is friendly and ready to help with any issue you may have with your grinder set.

#8. Grind Gourmet Salt and Pepper Grinder Set

The last recommendation in our list also comes with the biggest break from the traditional design of normal salt and pepper grinders. If the manual rotation is too tiring for you, this sleek-looking set from Grind Gourmet with an innovative pushing mechanism may be what you’re looking for.

These salt and pepper grinders are compact and easy to fit into the hands. You can hold any one of them with one hand and press the lever with your thumb to start grinding. There is no twisting needed, freeing one hand for other tasks and allowing you to achieve a better fineness.

While having a new grinding design, the Grind Gourmet set uses many similar parts from other grinders. The whole set is made from high-quality stainless steel to ensure the longest lifetime before breaking down. The only plastic part is the stand on which you place the grinders to prevent them from falling down.

However, this approach requires much more effort and time from users before the salt and peppercorns are grounded to the desired fineness.

Food & Wine

1. 5.5″ Sunset Fiesta Colored Pepper Mill and Salt Shaker Set by Olde Thompson
2. Star Wars Salt & Pepper Shakers by Vandor (54017)

The Wirecutter

1. Paris u’Select 9-Inch Pepper Mill, by Peugeot
2. Border Grill Pepper Mill by Fletchers’ Mill
3. Pepper Mill, 6-Inch by Trudeau Seville

How To Choose A Salt & Pepper Mill Set

This a quick rundown on what you need to consider a salt and pepper mill set:

• Grinding mechanism: most grinders on the market are manual models. They are simple, more reliable, and last longer as there are no complex electric elements in them. On the other hand, the battery-powered grinders take care of the grinding for you and allow you to do other cooking tasks.
• Size: this is usually an overlooked concern. The exact size depends on how many people you usually cook for. A too-small grinder set will require you to refill them more often.
• Coarseness setting: a high-quality grinder should have multiple options of coarseness so you can get the properly-sized salt and pepper for your dishes.
• Material: most grinders nowadays use stainless steel and glass as the main materials as it is more durable and suits better into a modern-looking kitchen. However, wood is also a good choice if you want to strive for a classic and natural style.

Why You Need A Salt & Pepper Mill Set

 There are many reasons you should wait until you’re about to cook to grind the salt and pepper:

• Avoid oxidation: if you pre-ground spices like pepper or salt to save time, there is a high chance they become oxidized and lose potency in the original flavor. On the other hand, freshly-grounded salt and pepper retain the flavors better.
• Provide more health benefits: fresh salt and pepper do a better job of helping your body avoid diarrhea, constipation, and colic while promoting urination and sweating of certain toxins and removing these chemicals from your body.
• Add style and class into your kitchen: like many chefs from high-end restaurants, with a simple salt and pepper mill set, you can add an elegant style into your kitchen during the prepping, cooking, and serving phrases.

Final Words

The best salt & pepper mill sets above are the most prominent examples of how big of a difference freshly-ground spices can make to your dish. Invest in a high-quality like one of them, and you will avoid seeing the aroma fade away quickly and get the most flavor out of your salt and pepper instead.